Tips

  1. Declutter Why pay to move things you’ll never use? Discard unnecessary items and donate gently used clothing and small household goods.
  2. Organize Any estimates you receive, inventory lists you make, contact information, and the contents of any boxes you pack.
  3. Choose a mover Make an early, informed decision and then lean on them, so they can help you throughout the process.
  4. Create an inventory Now is the time to make a list of your belongings. We’ll help you create one that can be used to help keep your packing organized.
  5. Contact your building management Contact your building management offices at both your current and new home so you can reserve freight elevators and make sure your reserved moving day works well at both locations. Confirm that your mover has the proper insurance coverage to meet building requirements.
  6. Order boxes Be sure to have enough boxes and supplies for your moving day. Our relocation specialists can suggest the appropriate style and number of boxes, and can have them delivered right to your home. VIP Movers are happy to pack and unpack for you.
  7. Pack First, pack what you don’t use. Placing heavier objects at the bottom, make sure that your boxes aren’t too heavy for someone to lift. Mark the outside of the boxes clearly.
  8. Let people know your new address Complete a U.S. Postal Service Change of Address form online at http://www.usps.com/. Notify credit card and utility companies, newspapers, and Internet and cable providers. Find out if you need to return your old cable box or get on an installation wait list.
  9. Stay calm on moving day Keep important items with you – place essentials in a designated suitcase or bag. Make sure that your jewelry, prescriptions, phones, chargers, etc. are accessible.
  10. Save your receipts In many cases, moving expenses are deductible from federal income taxes. If you are moving because of a change in employment, you may be able to claim this deduction even if you do not itemize.

TIPS TO SAVE MONEY

  1. Move on an “off” day Movers are busiest at the beginning and end of the month and weekdays are busier than weekends. If you have flexibility, a mid-week, mid-month move can save hundreds of dollars.
  2. Minimize your items Moving gives you a great opportunity to start fresh, so don’t bring things that have outlived their usefulness. You’ll also reduce your cubic footage – and cost – if you leave that broken desk or old office chair behind.
  3. Book well in advance Book your movers as early as you can since moving companies quote prices based on availability. If you lock in your reservation early, you’re more likely to get a better price.
  4. Pack yourself While it’s wonderful to have professionals do the job, it’s possible to do it yourself – especially with our advice and the packing materials available in our box store. Let our relocation specialists estimate the number and types of boxes you’ll need and deliver them a few days before the move.

PACKING TIPS

  1. Start now with items (books, etc.) you hardly use.
  2. Protect your items with packing materials. Newspapers are one of the most effective – and most readily available.
  3. Separate breakable items from non-breakable items, so the appropriate boxes can be given extra care. Mark them “FRAGILE” on more than one side.
  4. Buy an assortment of quality boxes in standard sizes. You can even give us a call to purchase boxes ahead of time.
  5. Pack boxes tightly, but watch the weight. Load heavier items on the bottom, to maintain balance. No box should ever weigh more than 50 lbs., and 20 to 30 lbs. is considered best.
  6. Use packing tape, not masking tape – it’s not strong enough.
  7. Label boxes clearly, on several sides. Writing should be legible, even when the boxes are stacked in a corner. Start an inventory list on paper or on your computer. Be consistent with your labeling method. List the general contents on the outside of the box for quick reference.
  8. For items you’ll need immediately (cooking utensils, toiletries, remotes, etc.), write “OPEN FIRST” on the outside of the box.
  9. Carry irreplaceable items with you – along with immediate necessities like cell phone chargers – in a special suitcase or tote.
  10. Lay books flat. Alternate the spine and open end, as you stack, to keep weight evenly distributed. Remember to keep the weight of the box manageable-preferably between 20 and 30 lbs.
  11. Cushion china by placing plenty of crumpled newsprint at the bottom of the box. Then carefully wrap each larger piece of china with newsprint. Place each bundle into the box, standing upright to form a row. Do not lay them flat. Surround each bundle with plenty of crumpled paper. Layer 2 to 3 inches of crumpled newsprint on top to support the next row of bundles. The upper row should be comprised of smaller articles-cups, saucers, etc.-to keep the box properly weighted.
  12. Each piece of stemware should be wrapped in clean newsprint. Stuff the paper into each goblet and then wrap it around the stem. Cushion stemware with a final thick wrapping of paper, and then place the item in your container with the stem up
  13. Seal bottles by wrapping tape around their lids, then wrap them in newsprint. Prepare boxes with crumpled paper at the bottom and placing your bottles on top. Pad the sides and top with more newsprint.
  14. Take photos of wired connections and label cables. Consider using colored ties from a container store or office supply store. Bundle all wires and cables together with their components, for quick reassembly. Pad heavily on all sides to prevent damage.
  15. Pack food last, after all other packing has been completed. Do not pack perishable food, even for local moves. Seal box openings with tape. Limit the amount of canned goods and heavy objects, to maintain a reasonable weight.